President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Public Referendum Bill (Law No. 15/2025), which was passed during the 5th Special Session of the People’s Majlis on 15 September.

The bill, proposed by Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah, establishes a legal framework for conducting referendums on matters of national importance. It empowers Parliament to decide on holding a vote on issues affecting the country, while also granting the President authority to seek the public’s opinion on questions of national importance.

A key provision of the legislation makes it mandatory to hold a referendum before amendments to specific Articles of the Constitution can be implemented. Responsibility for administering such votes, including the publication of results within the stipulated period, rests with the Elections Commission.

The law further outlines the duties of those initiating a referendum and introduces measures to ensure transparency, accountability and the safeguarding of citizens’ democratic rights. With the President’s ratification, the Public Referendum Bill has entered into effect following its publication in the Government Gazette.